Top grades for first Medical Sciences graduates

Dr Reza Zamani, director of the programme, congratulated the new graduates, and said: “We are incredibly proud of this group of students, who have excelled in their studies since they began. Not only are they academically brilliant, they are full of initiative and a pleasure to work with. Every student spent a year working in a science lab or health-related industry, where they showed themselves to be capable, confident and eager to learn. I have every confidence that they will flourish in their careers and will be a huge benefit to the health of the nation.”

Abi Chui, 23, got Upper 2^nd Class Honours and now hopes to work with a large firm, after spending her Professional Training Year at the Diabetes and Vascular Research Centre at Wonford in Exeter. Abi from Heavitree in Exeter, said: “The course throws up a wide range of challenges, but it’s incredibly fulfilling. The staff and lecturers have been so supportive throughout our time here.”

Joe Yates, 22, from Tavistock, will graduate with First Class Honours. He hopes to become a neurologist after spending a year working at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, and now plans to stay on at the Medical School to study graduate Medicine from September. “It’s definitely a challenging course but the reward is worth it. Through our Professional Training Year, we learned so many skills that will be essential in the workplace.”

Rebecca Lear, 22, was working at Wimbledon when she found out she had graduated with First Class Honours. She said: “I’m really delighted. It was very hard work and I spent long hours in the library, but I was really interested in the subject, so I enjoyed it. We had a great group of people on the course – we all got on really well, which made the whole experience a pleasure.”

Rebecca also spent her Professional Training Year at the Diabetes and Vascular Research Centre. She said: “I got to do the same work as the PhD students, and it really confirmed my ambitions to do a PhD myself. Ultimately I want to work in the area of sports medicine research.”

The Medical Sciences programme provides a firm foundation in the core biomedical and biomolecular sciences. It offers an insight into medical practice and the biotechnologies used to diagnose disorders and treat patients. Students develop scientific knowledge and robust research skills in a clinical context, plus creative and inquisitive communication and problem-solving skills. The course prepares students for a successful research career, helping to progress scientific discovery into clinical practice, ultimately to improve health.

Students have access to state-of-the-art online programme materials to supplement lectures and structured small group learning sessions. The Medical School offers a research-rich environment, with teaching offered by leading experts in their fields.

Professor Steve Thornton, Dean of the Medical School, said:  “We know that capable, innovative medical scientists are in huge demand to help solve some of the greatest challenges facing mankind.  Throughout their course, these students have had opportunities to gain hands-on experience of research.  I wish them every success in their careers, and look forward to hearing great things about their future discoveries.”